Sonder Stories: April
Get Out, Get Involved: Youth Week in Shoalhaven Kicks into Gear with Bikes, Beats & Markets
Shoalhaven’s 2025 Youth Week is rolling in with two action-packed, totally free events designed by young people, for young people.
First up, Bike Blast is hitting Sanctuary Point Skate Park on Wednesday 9 April, 3:05–5pm. Whether you're a total newbie or a two-wheeled legend, you can join a mountain biking workshop with South Coast United Mountain Bikers (SCUM), then show off your skills in a time trial. There’ll be a free BBQ and drinks to keep the energy high. Bookings essential via Humanitix.
Then, it’s over to Nowra’s Harry Sawkins Park on Thursday 17 April, 11am–3pm for the Youth Market. Expect skateboarding workshops with Totem Skate, live music from local young talent, art and chill zones, market stalls, and (yep, again) a free BBQ. It’s all about good vibes, creativity, and community.
Proudly supported by the NSW Government and local legends like Headspace Nowra and Firefly Bay & Basin, this year’s Youth Week theme is all about celebrating the power of young people as the leaders, creatives, and changemakers they already are.
“This is your time to shine,” said Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White. “It’s about connection, fun, and showing the amazing things young people bring to our community.”
Youth Week runs 9–17 April and is open to anyone aged 12–24. So, grab your mates, show up, and make some noise — this week’s all about you.
For more information, see: https://www.2st.com.au/local-news/shoalhaven/shoalhaven-youth-week/
A flow for the future: Sunshine Coast Turns Toilet Water into Farm Power
In a bold move, the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas are flipping the script on wastewater. Instead of dumping treated water into rivers, they’re using it to fuel farms — and it’s a total game-changer.
After a decade of planning and a $120 million investment, the new Wamuran Irrigation Scheme is officially on. It will divert 500 million gallons of Class A treated wastewater every year from going down the drain and into rivers and oceans. Instead, that water will irrigate thousands of acres of farmland in Queensland’s “Berry Belt.”
That means strawberries, pineapples, avocados, and turf are about to get a nutrient-rich boost — and rivers get a break. Normally, this treated water would flow into the Caboolture River, adding nitrogen and phosphorus that fuel toxic algal blooms and suffocate marine life.
Now, thanks to a 22km pipeline and a repurposed quarry-turned-reservoir, farmers get steady irrigation — especially crucial when the next drought hits. “We’re in a wet period now, but it’ll dry up again soon,” said Pinata Farms' Gavin Scurr. “Without water, we can’t deliver consistent fruit.”
With the local population set to double by 2040, this shift is just in time. Inspired by programs in Singapore, it’s a smart way to handle wastewater while backing farmers and protecting the planet.
For more information, see: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/sunshine-coast-recycles-wastewater-to-irrigate-farms-instead-of-dumping-in-river/
Photo credit: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2025-04-02/wamuran-irrigation-scheme-crops-sewage-treatment-environment/105124436
Spikeless: Canadian Researchers Create Discreet Stir Stick to Detect Spiked Drinks
After 12 years of research, a team from the University of British Columbia has unveiled Spikeless — a game-changing tool to detect if your drink has been spiked.
It looks like a regular stir stick, but this clever invention can spot common predatory drugs like GHB and ketamine — both odourless and tasteless — in under 30 seconds. Just give your drink a swirl, and the bioplastic tip changes colour if it detects anything suspicious. It’s single use, works in any drink, and doesn’t contaminate the contents.
The idea was sparked in 2012 by UBC associate professor Dr. Johan Foster and his brother, Andrew. Over the past three years, Dr. Foster, master’s student Samin Yousefi, and their team developed the prototype and are now prepping for real-world testing and start-up launch.
“Anywhere there’s a bar — clubs, parties, festivals — there’s a risk,” said Yousefi. “People have tried cups, coasters, even nail polish. Spikeless is more discreet and easier to carry — like your phone or keys.”
Still pending Health Canada approval, the team hopes Spikeless will be available at venues rather than relying on individuals.
It’s hard to get an accurate statistic with drink spiking as there are a number of barriers, mostly that victims are unwilling to come forward. In 2022, it was estimated that there were 219 drink spiking incidents in NSW alone.
“Prevention shouldn’t be on individuals alone,” said public health advisor Sasha Santos. “Tools like this shift the responsibility — and that’s how we create safer spaces.”
For more information and photo credit, see: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/stir-stick-to-detect-if-your-drink-is-spiked-developed-by-chemists-hoping-to-see-them-on-every-bar-top/
